Posted!

Join the Conversation

This conversation is moderated according to USA TODAY's
community rules.
Please read the rules before joining the discussion.

Rescue pets up for adoption this week in metro Phoenix

Pancho is available for adoption Jan. 20, 2019, at noon at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 590493. Arizona Humane Society

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Pancho is available for adoption Jan. 20, 2019, at noon at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 590493.
Arizona Humane Society

Murphy is available for adoption at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix. For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt. Arizona Humane Society

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Murphy is available for adoption at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix. For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt.
Arizona Humane Society

Spider is available for adoption at 11129 Michigan Ave. in Youngtown. For more information, call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m. Sun Cities 4 Paws

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Spider is available for adoption at 11129 Michigan Ave. in Youngtown. For more information, call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m.
Sun Cities 4 Paws

Takari is available for adoption at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. For more information, call 480-497-8296, email FFLcats@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org. Friends for Life Animal Rescue

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Takari is available for adoption at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. For more information, call 480-497-8296, email FFLcats@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org.
Friends for Life Animal Rescue

Jean Valjean, named for the valiant character in "Les Miserables," is available for adoption Jan. 13, 2019 at noon at the Arizona Humane Society's Sunnyslope CAmpus at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 595632. Arizona Humane Society

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Jean Valjean, named for the valiant character in "Les Miserables," is available for adoption Jan. 13, 2019 at noon at the Arizona Humane Society's Sunnyslope CAmpus at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 595632.
Arizona Humane Society

Olive is living at the Arizona Humane Society's Sunnyslope CAmpus at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix. For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt. Arizona Humane Society

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Olive is living at the Arizona Humane Society's Sunnyslope CAmpus at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix. For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt.
Arizona Humane Society

Joker is living at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. For more inforamtion, call 480-497-8296, email FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org. Friends for Life Animal Rescue

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Joker is living at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. For more inforamtion, call 480-497-8296, email FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org.
Friends for Life Animal Rescue

Kimo is available for adoption on Dec. 23, 2018, at noon at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus at 9226 N. 13th Avenue in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 591691. Arizona Humane Society

Adoptable animals in the Valley

Kimo is available for adoption on Dec. 23, 2018, at noon at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus at 9226 N. 13th Avenue in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 591691.
Arizona Humane Society

Brutus will be available on Sunday, April 22 starting at noon at the Arizona Humane Society’s Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix.. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 576290.(Photo: Arizona Humane Society)

Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights a handful of the many pets up for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, please contact the shelter directly. Have a great pet rescue story? Email us at lauren.castle@gannett.com.

Brutus: A Sharpei mix with a squishy-faced grin

With a great big yawn, a colossal stretch and his morning tail wag, Brutus woke up on a beautiful spring day in early March thinking that day would be just like any other. Unfortunately for this gentle giant, that day would prove to be anything other than routine.

It was this day that the family who was caring for the loving 14-year-old Chinese Sharpei mix would bring him to the Arizona Humane Society because they could not longer afford to care for him.

The family was very relieved to learn Brutus may provide another family with as much love and joy as he had provided them for more than a decade.

One look at his smiling face says it all. Brutus is a happy-go-lucky dude whose chill attitude helps him get along with anyone and everyone. With adorable wrinkles lining his squishy face and a grin that stretches ear to ear, it is quite impossible not to have your mood lighten when you see him.

Due to his senior status, this dreamboat has everything down pat. Brutus is potty trained, knows how to sit, walks like a dream and is a perfect gentleman on car rides. Although he is super easygoing, he also likes to play with his stuffed toys from time to time and absolutely loves snacking on bones!

Brutus does have chronic ear infections. Other than that, all he asks is that he can be his social, cuddly self with plenty of belly rubs for the rest of his days.

HOW TO ADOPT: Brutus will be available on Sunday, April 22, starting at noon at the Arizona Humane Society’s Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. Brutus’ adoption fee includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 576290.

Feast your eyes on Nilla. This handsome boy comes from the same original owner as Badger, previously featured here and newly adopted. It is obvious the cats were cherished pets and are used to a tremendous amount of love. Nilla, 4 years old, is a small Manx type with a stubby tail, not quite enough to wag were he a dog.

He likes to be picked up and surely would be a lap cat. Sweet and affectionate, Nilla has a spotless, snow-white coat and enjoys a nice brushing. Here’s hoping he gets as lucky as Badger and soon finds a great home.

HOW TO ADOPT: He can be seen at Sun Cities 4 Paws shelter, 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria. Adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10-3 p.m. Call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Chey: A long-haired tabby that loves to be loved

Chey is available at Friends for Life's adoption center at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. Contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296 or email FFLcats@azfriends.org for more information.(Photo: Friends for Life Animal Rescue)

Chey is a beautiful domestic long-haired Tabby cat about 7 years old. She was surrendered to a local shelter when her owner passed away, eventually making her way to Friends for Life Animal Rescue. Chey is an amazing cat and just loves to be loved. She will follow you around and remind you that she is always there for you! Chey is good with other cats but her history with dogs and children is unknown. Chey's adoption fee is $95.

HOW TO ADOPT: Chey currently resides at Friends for Life's adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. At Friends for Life all animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-wormed, and cats are tested for FELV/FIV. If interested in adopting Chey contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLcats@azfriends.org, or visit www.azfriends.org for more information.

—Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

Nala: An orange tabby who will stay by your side

Nala is avalaible at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus at 9226 N. 13th Avenue in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 578647.(Photo: Arizona Humane Society)

It is always hard when a loved one passes away, especially if that person was the one responsible for taking care of you. This was the case for 8-year-old orange tabby, Nala. Her owner had passed away earlier this year and she was left to be cared for by her owner’s sibling. Unfortunately, a few months proved too hard for them to continue the care of the sweet feline.

With no other friends or family to take care of her, Nala was brought to the Arizona Humane Society in hopes of finding her forever home. Still sleeping on her previous owner’s bed before being brought to AHS, it is understandable that the loving cat is still not fully adjusted to her new circumstances. As with any disruption in life, it will take some time and understanding with Nala to help her adjust and become comfortable.

However, once she does become comfortable she is as loving as can be. Nala not only likes to love on people, she also enjoys being by her person’s side at all times. This kitty cat also is great with people, children, other cats and has even played nice with dogs before. Once she is open and free of worry, it is commonplace to see Nala goofing around and playing with her favorite kind of toys which is basically anything with string. Catnip is also a favorite treat of hers when she is in the mood to have extra fun!

HOW TO ADOPT: Meet the gorgeous Nala at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus at 9226 N. 13th Ave. in Phoenix. Nala’s adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 578647.